first id recommend checking out your local library
 
then after that look for documents or books tailored to your needs
like networking sound etc.
 
im not looking real hard but ill look better later on
http://archives.mandrakelinux.com/newbie/2003-07/
http://www.linux-mandrake.com/en/fdoc.php3
http://www.linuxquestions.org/
http://www.justlinux.com/nhf/
http://linux-newbie.sunsite.dk/
im not much of a book person but search on amazon sort by rating
Mandrake linux (search query) books (sort by rating)
 
and youll find that mandrake only manners partially the overall system is based on a wide idea while the in depth system setup i.e. and other components are more taylored to mandrake, but mandrake is perfect to learn on
 
these should help for now but could you provide some info
like exact version 9.1 9.2 etc.
what do you want to do with your pc
like fields networking, audio, graphics, etc
 

To me, the best way to learn is, learn as you go! As questions arise, use google to find answers. Here, Linuxquestions.org, Justlinux.com and others have great informative forums to read. Don't try to cram and learn everything at once or you wind up very frustrated. Also, when you have a question you can't find an answer for, post it here, and someone is bound to be able to help. You learn a lot just by asking questions.

Get a live cd like knoppix. There is no installation procedure reqd. You can straight away start working with linux by booting off the CD. A very good experience for new comers.